Planning Your Perfect Miami Vacation: South Beach ✦ Wynwood ✦ Brickell

Miami is a mood—glossy towers and glittering water, pastel Art Deco and bold murals, old-school ventanitas and new-wave cocktail bars. Use this guide to plan a 3–5 day getaway that hits the big three neighborhoods—South Beach, Wynwood, and Brickell—while supporting Black and Latino-owned spots, feasting on Cuban food, and the best tours and experiences. Finally, you'll find links to book the best tours and excursions Miami has to offer.

South Beach: Art Deco icons, beach time, and classic Cuban eats

What to do

• Art Deco Walking Tour (Official) – The Miami Design Preservation League’s daily tour is the best intro to the district’s history and design (includes museum admission).

• Ocean Drive status check – Ocean Drive’s traffic setup has been in flux in 2025 due to a court fight (pedestrian plaza removals and two-way traffic orders with appeals). Before you go, check day-of updates with local outlets.

Where to eat/drink (Cuban-forward & local)

• Puerto Sagua (since 1962): beloved for Cuban sandwiches, ropa vieja, café con leche, and wine carafes, don't miss this South Beach staple.

• Havana 1957 (Ocean Dr. & Española Way): old-Havana vibe, classic mojitos and croquetas—touristy, yes, but reliably fun.

Good-to-know

• Plan beach time early morning or late afternoon; save midday for museums, the tour, or a long Cuban lunch.

Wynwood: Murals, makers, and Caribbean/Latino flavor

What to do

• Wynwood Walls – The open-air museum of street art; tickets and timed entry are required. Hours typically run mid-morning to early evening. Book ahead, especially on weekends.

• Second-Saturday Art Walk – Galleries and studios open late with DJs/food pop-ups. It’s back with a party vibe—arrive early for parking.

Where to eat/drink

• Wynwood Brewing Co. – Miami’s first craft brewery, founded by a Puerto Rican family; great taproom for a pre-mural pint.

• Cervecería La Tropical – Cuban-heritage brewery/garden pouring revived Havana recipes and tropical lagers—beautiful courtyard.

Pro tip: Use this Black-owned business directory for cafes, restaurants, and experiences across Overtown, Little Haiti, and beyond—easy to layer into a Wynwood day.

Brickell: Skyline views, river walks, and luxe bites

What to do

• Brickell City Centre (BCC) – Four levels of shopping/dining anchoring Miami’s financial district; new ownership by Simon Property Group closed in June 2025, with refreshed programming and dining highlights.

• Evening strolls – Walk the Miami River promenade at golden hour, then bar-hop along Mary Brickell Village/BCC.

Where to eat/drink (Latino-led flavors)

• Marabú (BCC) – Coal-fired Cuban cuisine and standout mojitos; an easy one-stop before/after shopping.

Excursions you will love:

Biscayne Bay / “Millionaire’s Row” boat cruise – Skyline + celebrity homes + breezes = classic Miami.

• Everglades experiences – Note: airboats have restricted use inside Everglades National Park; many airboat rides operate outside park boundaries. For nature-first options, consider ranger-led or authorized tours inside the park.

• Little Havana food & culture tour – Pastelitos, ventanita coffee, live music, cigar rollers—pair with Domino Park and Calle Ocho Walk of Fame.

• Wynwood street art tour – Guided, small-group options (e-bikes/golf carts) help you cover more walls with context.

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Sample 3-Day Flow

Day 1 – South Beach: Art Deco tour → beach time → Ocean Drive dinner (Cuban) → cocktail on a rooftop.

Day 2 – Wynwood + Little Havana: Wynwood Walls → brewery stop → Little Havana food tour at dusk.

Day 3 – Brickell + Bay: Brunch in Brickell → Biscayne Bay cruise → BCC shopping/dinner at Marabú.

Planning Tours & Excursions for your Miami Vacation

Here are our recommended tours and excursions:

• Art Deco Walking Tour (Official) → [Book now]

• Biscayne Bay / Millionaire’s Row Cruise → [Reserve seats]

• Everglades Tour with Transport from Miami → [Choose your tour]

• Wynwood Street Art Tour → [See tour times]

• Little Havana Food & Culture → [Tastings + guides]

• Parasailing in South Beach → [Book experience]

• Private Yacht / Sandbar Half-Day → [Inquire]

• Miami: BYOB Private Boat Tour→ [Day, Sunset, or Night]

• "Duck Tour 90-minute South Beach/Miami→ [Reserve your spot]

Why book with me

Planning a Miami vacation can be… a lot. Work with me as your professional travel agent and you’ll get:

• Hotel curation (South Beach chic, Brickell luxe, or budget-smart)

• Rental car or no-car plans 

• Tours & excursions (I’ll handle all the bookings!)

• A custom Google Map of Miami with my best bars, restaurants, coffee, and photo spots—color-coded by neighborhood, saved to your phone

• Concierge services: spa appointments, hard-to-get restaurant reservations, private chef, yoga instructor, celebration add-ons, and more

Ready to go? Tell me your dates, vibe, and budget, and I’ll build a done-for-you Miami—heavy on culture, flavor, and sunshine. Call, email, or fill out a travel form today to get started!